About CSG

Legislative Council on River Governance

Legislative Council on River Governance (LCRG) is a cooperative association of legislators from Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington who meet to discuss common interests and challenges along the Columbia River basin.

Mission Statement

Chair, Senator Debby Barrett, Montana

2009 Members

Idaho

Montana

Oregon

Washington

Senator Diane Bilyeu
Idaho State Senate

Senator Charles H. Coiner
Idaho State Senate

Senator Michael Jorgenson
Idaho State Senate

Senator Monty J. Pearce
Idaho State Senate

Senator Gary Schroeder
Idaho State Senate

Representative Liz Chavez
Idaho House of Representatives

Representative Mike Moyle
House Majority Leader
Idaho House of Representatives

Representative Dell Raybould
Idaho House of Representatives

Representative Ken A. Roberts
Majority Caucus Chair
Idaho House of Representatives

Representative John "Bert" Stevenson
Idaho House of Representatives

Pending approval of appointments 6/25/09:

Senator Debby Barrett
Montana State Senate

Senator John Brenden
Montana State Senate

Senator Aubny Curtiss
Montana State Senate

Senator Steve Gallus
Montana State Senate

Senator Daniel McGee
President Pro Tempore
Montana State Senate

Representative Timothy Furey
Montana House of Representatives

Senator Ted Ferrioli
Republican Leader
Oregon State Senate

Senator David Nelson
Oregon State Senate

Senator Floyd Prozanski
Oregon State Senate

Senator Doug Whitsett
Oregon State Senate

Speaker Dave Hunt
Speaker of the House
Oregon House of Representatives

Representative Bob Jenson
Oregon House of Representatives

Senator Jerome Delvin
Washington State Senate

Senator Karen Fraser
Washington State Senate

Senator Jim Honeyford
Washington State Senate

Senator Bob Morton
Washington State Senate

Senator Phil Rockefeller
Washington State Senate

Representative Brian Blake
Washington House of Representatives

Representative Bruce Chandler
Washington House of Representatives

Representative Bill Hinkle
Washington House of Representatives

Representative John McCoy
Washington House of Representatives

2008 Highlights: In 2008, participating LCRG members were briefed on Columbia River Water Management Plan, 2008 flow projections and infrastructure as well as the Bonneville Power Administration’s Residential Exchange Program. Lawmakers also were updated on Idaho and Washington activities regarding the Spokane Aquifer and river basin adjudication. Lawmakers received an update on water conservation, re-use and storage grants, and a federal court decision on litigation challenging an Endangered Species Act Biological Opinion. Participating LCRG members unanimously agreed to encourage legislative monitoring of the negotiated agreement between Idaho and Washington states on the Spokane Aquifer.

2007 Highlights: In 2007, LCRG members discussed drought and climate change impacts on water supplies and power production, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s Fish and Wildlife Program, and Montana Tribal Water Rights Settlement issues. Participating legislators also were updated on the implementation of Washington’s Columbia River Water Management Plan and the Bonneville Power Administration’s Residential Exchange Program. Lawmakers heard perspectives on pending litigation related to an Endangered Species Biological Opinion, and they discussed potential impacts of pending federal legislation, including the 2007 Clean Water Restoration Act.

2006 Highlights: In 2006, participating LCRG members were briefed by state and federal representatives on issues such as the Nez Perce Water Agreement, conjunctive management of surface and ground water, water storage, state water adjudication and an overview of the U.S.–Canada Columbia River Treaty. Members were also updated on pending litigation relating to an Endangered Species Biological Opinion. Lawmakers also shared information on current legislation and other state activities affecting the Columbia River Basin.